Compact waterproof wearable garment for the waist

ABSTRACT

A waterproof garment worn around the waist that unrolls down the backside of the body providing a layer of protection against rain, mud, grass, and other elements, comprising: (i) a sleeve at the top of the material, in which a user slips a belt through the material so it can be worn around the waist by the user; and (ii) on both ends of the sleeve is a loop that is sewn part way up the material to prevent the belt from falling out, but still allowing it to move and be adjusted. The device may be composed of a lightweight waterproof coated nylon material, among many other options. The waterproof garment may optionally be heated, and may be used during sporting events, concerts, hiking, picnics, at the beach, and in many other locations and scenarios.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/787,433, filed on Jan. 2, 2019 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a wearable garment worn around the waist to provide a waterproof surface for sitting.

BACKGROUND

At most outdoor locations or gatherings, attendees are subject to the environmental conditions. Accordingly, if the outdoor location is experience precipitation such as rain or snow, any seating or surfaces at that location are going to be covered in that precipitation. These surfaces remain wet for some time even long after the precipitation has ceased, especially if the location is cold and/or there is no direct sunlight.

Additionally, many indoor and outdoor locations do not have clean or suitable seating arrangements. For example, an indoor location may have surfaces intended for sitting but these surfaces may be dirty or otherwise inappropriate for direct sitting. As another example, an outdoor location may also have surfaces intended for sitting and these surfaces may also be dirty or otherwise inappropriate for direct sitting. Similarly, an outdoor location may not have surfaces intended for seating, instead having grass, mud, sand, or other natural surfaces upon which an individual may want to sit or set objects down.

Thus, individuals and their objects may get dirty, wet, and/or cold if they sit directly on these surfaces, whether indoor or outdoor. While the individual may protect themselves from the dirty or wet surfaces by using an object such as a towel or article of clothing, these objects can be bulky and must be carried by the user in their hands or in a bag or other carrier. This can take up valuable space and requires one or both of the user's hands.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, there is a continued need in the art for a device that protects the user from dirty, wet, and/or cold surfaces without taking up significant space or requiring constant use of one or both of the user's hands.

The present disclosure is directed to a waterproof garment worn around the waist that unrolls down the backside of the body providing a layer of protection against rain, mud, grass, and other elements. The waterproof garment includes a sleeve at the top of the material, in which a user slips a belt through the material so it can be worn around the waist by the user. On both ends of the sleeve is a loop that is sewn part way up the material to prevent the belt from falling out, but still allowing it to move and be adjusted. The device may be composed of a lightweight waterproof coated nylon material, among many other options. The waterproof garment may optionally be heated, and may be used during sporting events, concerts, hiking, picnics, at the beach, and in many other locations and scenarios.

According to an aspect is a waterproof wearable garment convertible between a compact closed configuration and an open configuration, comprising: (i) a substantially flat seating portion sized to accommodate a human's buttocks and at least a portion of the human's hamstring region when the waterproof wearable garment is in the open configuration, wherein the seating portion is composed of a flexible, waterproof material; (ii) a belt attached to an upper portion of the seating portion, the belt configured to wrap around the human's waist when the wearable garment is worn by the human; and (iii) a closing mechanism, wherein the seating portion is configured to be converted into a compact closed configuration, and wherein the closing mechanism reversibly retains the seating portion in the compact closed configuration.

According to an embodiment, the seating portion is square. According to an embodiment, the seating portion round.

According to an embodiment, the closing mechanism comprises a pocket or pouch. According to an embodiment, the closing mechanism comprises Velcro®. According to an embodiment, the closing mechanism comprises one or more clips. According to an embodiment, the closing mechanism comprises a drawstring.

According to an embodiment, the seating portion is configured to be rolled or folded into the compact closed configuration.

According to an embodiment, the garment includes a heating element. According to an embodiment, the heating element comprises a power source.

According to an embodiment, the garment includes a pocket.

According to an embodiment, the belt is adjustable.

According to an embodiment, the garment includes a padding element positioned within or on the seating portion.

According to an embodiment, the garment includes one or more weights positioned within one or more corners or outer portions of the seating portion.

According to an aspect is a waterproof wearable garment convertible between a compact closed configuration and an open configuration, comprising: (i) a substantially flat seating portion sized to accommodate a human's buttocks and at least a portion of the human's hamstring region when the waterproof wearable garment is in the open configuration, wherein the seating portion is composed of a flexible, waterproof material; (ii) a belt loop attached to an upper portion of the seating portion, the belt loop configured to receive a belt to wrap around the human's waist when the wearable garment is worn by the human; and (iii) a closing mechanism, wherein the seating portion is configured to be converted into a compact closed configuration, and wherein the closing mechanism reversibly retains the seating portion in the compact closed configuration.

According to an aspect is a waterproof wearable garment convertible between a compact closed configuration and an open configuration, comprising: (i) a square flat seating portion sized to accommodate a human's buttocks and at least a portion of the human's hamstring region when the waterproof wearable garment is in the open configuration, wherein the seating portion is composed of a flexible, waterproof material; (ii) a padding element positioned within or on the seating portion; (iii) a belt attached to an upper portion of the seating portion, the belt configured to wrap around the human's waist when the wearable garment is worn by the human; (iv) a closing mechanism comprising Velcro®; and (v) one or more weights positioned within one or more corners or outer portions of the seating portion, wherein the seating portion is configured to be rolled into a compact closed configuration, and wherein the closing mechanism reversibly retains the seating portion in the compact closed configuration.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an image of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an image of a belt for the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an image of a belt for the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a clip for the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a heated version of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a portion of the waterproof garment, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an image of the waterproof garment in a stage of being rolled up, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 17 an image of the waterproof garment in a stage of being rolled up, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 18 an image of the waterproof garment in a stage of being rolled up, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a waterproof garment worn around the waist that unrolls down the backside of the body providing a layer of protection against rain, mud, grass, and other elements. The waterproof garment thus protects the user from dirty, wet, hot, and/or cold surfaces without taking up significant space or requiring constant use of one or both of the user's hands. The waterproof garment includes a sleeve at the top of the material, in which a user slips a belt through the material so it can be worn around the waist by the user. On both ends of the sleeve is a loop that is sewn part way up the material to prevent the belt from falling out, but still allowing it to move and be adjusted. The device may be composed of a lightweight waterproof coated nylon material, among many other options. The waterproof garment may optionally be heated using a variety of different methods, and may be used during sporting events, concerts, hiking, picnics, at the beach, and in many other locations and scenarios.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, is an image of a waterproof garment 100 as described or otherwise envisioned herein. In this embodiment, waterproof garment 100 comprises a belt section 110 optionally defining a channel through which a belt 120 can be fed, or otherwise comprising an attached belt. The waterproof garment 100 also comprises a large flap section 130 having a front side 132 and a reverse side 134 (not shown). The waterproof garment can be rolled or folded up into a compact wearable structure using a variety of mechanisms. A hook and loop closure mechanism (aka Velcro®) one such mechanism. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, waterproof garment 100 comprises first and second Velcro structures 140. These Velcro structures are positioned, sized, and/or configured to interact with one or more other Velcro structures on the garment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the reverse side 134 of the garment comprises first and second Velcro structures 150 which will interact with Velcro structures 140 when the garment is rolled or folded up. Similarly, referring to FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a waterproof garment 100 depicting the reverse side 140 of the garment and the one or more other Velcro structures 150.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, is a schematic representation of a waterproof garment 100 as described or otherwise envisioned herein, in both a rolled/folded and unrolled/unfolded configuration. Accordingly, the waterproof garment 100 reversibly converts between a rolled/folded configuration to an unrolled/unfolded configuration. The waterproof garment comprises a slot or channel through which the belt 120 is fed or attached. The belt may be slidably and reversibly fed through a slot or channel defined in the garment, or may be permanently affixed to the garment, or may be reversibly or permanently connected affixed to the garment via a clip or other attachment mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 6, the belt 120 may be any belt capable of performing the required functions including being attached to the garment in both the rolled/folded configuration and the unrolled/unfolded configuration and attaching the garment to a user. The belt may be composed of any material, including but not limited to nylon webbing among many other materials. The belt may comprise a buckle, snap, button, or any other attachment mechanism to affix around a user. Referring to FIG. 7, the belt may be fed through a slot or channel in the garment such that the belt can be adjusted within the channel but does not slide out of the channel. Referring to FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a clip for a clip-based attachment mechanism. Additionally, referring to FIGS. 9-11 are embodiments of the waterproof garment showing a clip-based attachment mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, is an embodiment of the waterproof garment 100 which is optionally heated. For example, the garment may comprise one or more pockets for a heating element. The heating element may be permanently or temporarily inserted or enclosed within a space or pocket. The heating element may be a temporary heating element such as a temporary chemical heating pad, or may be a powered heating element which is powered by electricity or battery power. For example, the heating element may be connected to a rechargeable battery component of the waterproof garment, or may be connected to an external power source such as a battery. The heating element and power source can be any that provides the requisite level of heating.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment provides numerous advantages. For example, unlike a portable chair, stool, or seat pad, a user does not have to carry the wearable garment with the hands. Indeed, the wearable garment is designed to be worn around the waist for easy, hands-free portability. For example, if a user is walking around a golf course the user can wear it around the waist leaving hands free to carry soda, food, or nothing at all.

According to an embodiment, the strategically placed and built-in attachment mechanism allows the user to easily roll-up the wearable garment so the garment is not dangling behind the user as they walk. Rolling-up the wearable garment is a feature created for user comfort, ease of use, and safety. Being able to roll-up the garment provides a less obtrusive and convenient way to protect your clothing and surfaces. Also, rolling-up the garment prevents the material from dangling and potentially getting caught on external matter that could cause injury to the user.

Additionally, another advantage of the wearable garment is that it is lightweight, weighing 8 oz. or less, although other weights are possible especially depending upon the materials used and other functionality. For example, a heated version of the wearable garment is likely to be heavier.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment may comprise one or more pockets for storage. The storage may include items such as wallet, credit cards, cellphone, or keys.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment has a sleeve at the top of the material, in which one can slip a belt (nylon) through the material so it can be worn around the waist by the user (see, e.g., reference point A in FIG. 7). On both ends of the sleeve is a loop that is sewn part way up the material to prevent the belt from falling out, but still allowing it to move and be adjusted (see, e.g., reference point B in FIG. 7). This is a very important feature because it's a nuisance for the user if the belt separates from the garment. Indeed, according to at least one embodiment the belt is not sewn to the material so that it can be adjusted to fit a variety of waist sizes. However, it is very difficult to slip the belt back in through the loop. Thus, this system allows the user to adjust the belt with ease without the fear of the belt separating from the material.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment comprises a foam pad inside the large flap section 130 between the front side 132 and a reverse side 134. The foam pad, which may be insulated, waterproof, or otherwise designed, can provide additional padding and insulation, thus provide comfort and warmth. Additionally, the garment may comprise an inflatable feature that allows the user to blow or pump air into garment for the purpose of inflating the garment for padding as an air-filled cushion. An RF Welder may be used to make a close pattern that would result in a cushion. This design may include a hand pump and a vent valve.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment is heatable. For example, the wearable garment may comprise a carbon fiber heating pad, or other heating element, positioned within the garment to provide warmth to the user's gluteus maximus and upper thighs. A nylon pocket can be sewn within the garment to fit and affix the carbon fiber heating pads, so they will not move within the garment's material. Connected to the carbon fiber heating pad can be a USB cord or other connection that will plug into an external power bank or other battery to draw heat to the heating element. According to an embodiment, the wearable garment comprises a pocket the outside of the garment that the external power bank can slip into and allow one to safely carry it on the waist.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment is cooling. For example, the wearable garment may comprise of cooling/cold pads, or other cooling element, positioned within the garment to provide coldness to the user's gluteus maximus and upper thighs. A nylon pocket can be sewn within the garment to fit and affix the cooling pads, so they will not move within the garment's material.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment may include small magnetic weights in each corner of the garment. The purpose of these magnetic weights is to give the garment “body” so it will not crinkle or scrunch up on the user when the user sits, which would take away from the primary function of the garment. Also, when rolling up, the magnetic weights will marry together at the top of the garment, making the garment more secure when rolled up.

According to an embodiment, the wearable garment may retract with drawstrings making it easy and convenient for the user to automatically roll up the garment without much effort. The drawstrings will be place around the circumference of the garment with outlets at the top of the garment near the belt outlet. The user may pull these drawstrings to retract or rollup the garment quickly. Rolling-up the wearable garment is a feature created for user comfort, ease of use, and safety. Being able to roll-up the garment provides a less obtrusive and convenient way to protect your clothing and surfaces. Also, rolling-up the garment prevents the material from dangling and potentially getting caught on external matter that could cause injury to the user.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18 are images of the wearable garment being rolled up from an open or unrolled configuration (such as that found in FIG. 1) to a closed or rolled configuration in FIG. 18. According to an embodiment, the wearable garment is converted from the open configuration to the closed configuration by rolling from the bottom, although other methods of conversion are possible. For example, the wearable garment could be folded or otherwise packaged or condensed.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that modifications, alterations, and additions can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A waterproof wearable garment convertible between a compact closed configuration and an open configuration, comprising: a substantially flat seating portion sized to accommodate a human's buttocks and at least a portion of the human's hamstring region when the waterproof wearable garment is in the open configuration, wherein the seating portion is composed of a flexible, waterproof material; a belt attached to an upper portion of the seating portion, the belt configured to wrap around the human's waist when the wearable garment is worn by the human; and a closing mechanism; wherein the seating portion is configured to be converted into a compact closed configuration, and wherein the closing mechanism reversibly retains the seating portion in the compact closed configuration.
 2. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the seating portion is square.
 3. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the seating portion round.
 4. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a pocket or pouch.
 5. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises Velcro®.
 6. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises one or more clips.
 7. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a drawstring.
 8. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the seating portion is configured to be rolled or folded into the compact closed configuration.
 9. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, further comprising a heating element.
 10. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 8, wherein the heating element comprises a power source.
 11. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, further comprising a pocket.
 12. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, wherein the belt is adjustable.
 13. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, further comprising a padding element positioned within or on the seating portion.
 14. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 1, further comprising one or more weights positioned within one or more corners or outer portions of the seating portion.
 15. A waterproof wearable garment convertible between a compact closed configuration and an open configuration, comprising: a substantially flat seating portion sized to accommodate a human's buttocks and at least a portion of the human's hamstring region when the waterproof wearable garment is in the open configuration, wherein the seating portion is composed of a flexible, waterproof material; a belt loop attached to an upper portion of the seating portion, the belt loop configured to receive a belt to wrap around the human's waist when the wearable garment is worn by the human; and a closing mechanism; wherein the seating portion is configured to be converted into a compact closed configuration, and wherein the closing mechanism reversibly retains the seating portion in the compact closed configuration.
 16. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 15, wherein the seating portion is configured to be rolled or folded into the compact closed configuration.
 17. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 15, further comprising a heating element.
 18. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 15, further comprising one or more weights positioned within one or more corners or outer portions of the seating portion
 19. The waterproof wearable garment of claim 15, further comprising a padding element positioned within or on the seating portion.
 20. A waterproof wearable garment convertible between a compact closed configuration and an open configuration, comprising: a square flat seating portion sized to accommodate a human's buttocks and at least a portion of the human's hamstring region when the waterproof wearable garment is in the open configuration, wherein the seating portion is composed of a flexible, waterproof material; a padding element positioned within or on the seating portion; a belt attached to an upper portion of the seating portion, the belt configured to wrap around the human's waist when the wearable garment is worn by the human; a closing mechanism comprising Velcro®; and one or more weights positioned within one or more corners or outer portions of the seating portion; wherein the seating portion is configured to be rolled into a compact closed configuration, and wherein the closing mechanism reversibly retains the seating portion in the compact closed configuration. 